Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Feeling Low All The Time? Doctors Say A Common Deficiency May Be The Cause

low iron feeling low

As winter settles in, many people sense a shift in their mood. Shorter days and colder weather often leave us feeling a little dull. In some cases, this may be linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Yet there may also be another explanation.

A doctor has cautioned that a very common deficiency could be the reason you have been feeling unusually low. He noted that this problem affects well over a billion people around the world. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Iron Deficiency</span> Might Be The Reason Behind Your Low Mood</h2>

In a TikTok video, Doctor Sermed Mezher raised concern about iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral the body relies on to move oxygen through the blood and support several important processes. Dr Mezher explained as per Express, “Low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, affecting more than one billion people.” He also described how it can influence dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical.

He added, “And its effects on dopamine go way deeper than just oxygen transport. Dopamine is made from an amino acid called tyrosine over a couple of steps, and the enzyme involved in the first step needs iron to work properly. It is no surprise, then, that in iron deficiency, studies show problems in dopamine pathways that play a part in happiness, reward, self control and social behaviour.”

The positive news is that this can usually be managed. Dr Mezher said, “Once your iron levels are restored, these pathways return to their normal state, and you can help this process by taking iron with vitamin C and staying away from caffeinated drinks for two hours before and after.”

The <span>NHS</span> lists several <span>signs of iron deficiency</span> anaemia, including:

<ul><li>Tiredness and low energy</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Heart palpitations</li><li>Paler skin</li><li>Headaches</li></ul>

If you think you may be low in iron, you should talk to your GP. A simple blood test can confirm it.

Iron levels can be raised through the foods you eat. These options are naturally rich in iron:

<ul><li>Dark-green vegetables such as watercress and curly kale</li><li>Iron-fortified cereals and bread</li><li>Meat</li><li>Dried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisins</li><li>Pulses including beans, peas and lentils</li></ul>

<ul><li>Tea</li><li>Coffee</li><li>Milk and dairy products</li><li>Foods high in phytic acid, like wholegrain cereals, which can prevent your body from absorbing iron from meals and supplements</li></ul>

The NHS notes, “Large amounts of these foods and drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron. You might be referred to a specialist dietitian if you're finding it hard to include iron in your diet.”

<ul><li>8.7mg for men aged 19 and above</li><li>14.8mg for women aged 19 to 49</li><li>8.7mg for women aged 50 and above</li></ul>

The NHS adds, “Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.”

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As winter settles in, many people sense a shift in their mood. Shorter days and colder weather often leave us feeling a little dull. In some cases, this may be linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Yet there may also be another explanation.A doctor has cautioned that a very common deficiency could be the reason you have been feeling unusually low. He noted that this problem affects well over a billion people around the world.  Iron Deficiency Might Be The Reason Behind Your Low MoodIn a TikTok video, Doctor Sermed Mezher raised concern about iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral the body relies on to move oxygen through the blood and support several important processes. Dr Mezher explained as per Express, “Low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, affecting more than one billion people.” He also described how it can influence dopamine, often referred to as the “feel-good” chemical.He added, “And its effects on dopamine go way deeper than just oxygen transport. Dopamine is made from an amino acid called tyrosine over a couple of steps, and the enzyme involved in the first step needs iron to work properly. It is no surprise, then, that in iron deficiency, studies show problems in dopamine pathways that play a part in happiness, reward, self control and social behaviour.”The positive news is that this can usually be managed. Dr Mezher said, “Once your iron levels are restored, these pathways return to their normal state, and you can help this process by taking iron with vitamin C and staying away from caffeinated drinks for two hours before and after.”Symptoms Of Iron DeficiencyThe NHS lists several signs of iron deficiency anaemia, including:Tiredness and low energyShortness of breathHeart palpitationsPaler skinHeadachesIf you think you may be low in iron, you should talk to your GP. A simple blood test can confirm it.How To Boost Iron Levels?Iron levels can be raised through the foods you eat. These options are naturally rich in iron:Dark-green vegetables such as watercress and curly kaleIron-fortified cereals and breadMeatDried fruits like apricots, prunes and raisinsPulses including beans, peas and lentilsThe NHS also suggests cutting back on:TeaCoffeeMilk and dairy productsFoods high in phytic acid, like wholegrain cereals, which can prevent your body from absorbing iron from meals and supplementsThe NHS notes, “Large amounts of these foods and drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron. You might be referred to a specialist dietitian if you're finding it hard to include iron in your diet.”How Much Iron Does One Need?The daily iron requirement is:8.7mg for men aged 19 and above14.8mg for women aged 19 to 498.7mg for women aged 50 and aboveThe NHS adds, “Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.”